title: In vitro irradiation of infected root canals with a diode laser: results of microbiologic, infrared spectrometric, and stain penetration examinations.
abstract: This study aimed to examine the suitability of the diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm for reducing bacteria in root canals. Forty-four extracted, endodontically prepared teeth were inoculated with Escherichia coli and Streptococcus faecalis. No bacterial growth was observed when the teeth were irradiated at an output power of 4 W and a pulse rate of 10 milliseconds, with breaks of 10 milliseconds between the irradiations. Exposure time was five times 5 seconds. Infrared spectroscopic examinations revealed that irradiation at 4 W under even circling movements resulted in a maximum rise in temperature of 6 degrees C on the root surface. Stain penetration tests and scanning electron microscopic examinations revealed complete closure of the dentinal tubules on the irradiated root canal walls.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Dental School, University of Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moritz
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gutknecht
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Goharkhay
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Schoop
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wernisch
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sperr
mesh_terms: D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000382:microbiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003804:Dentin / Q000382:microbiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D004203:Disinfection / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000528:radiation effects; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation; D013055:Spectrophotometry, Infrared; D013194:Staining and Labeling